Elijah’s POVThe emergency room lights were too bright. I felt the throbbing in my head, the sting of scratches on my arms, but the doctor assured me nothing was broken. I strained to listen amid the bustle, and then I heard her voice—Sophia.“Hey, Sophia,” I called out weakly, trying to sit up despite the ache.Suddenly, to my surprise, she was there rushing to me, one arm in a cast, tears streaming down her face as she enveloped me in a tight hug. Her relief was evident, overwhelming. “I thought…” she began to say, sobbing. “I thought that you…” “Hey, it's okay,” I murmured, holding her close. “I'm okay.”“I thought it was you on that stretcher over there,” she finally managed to say, not able to contain her sobs. Then she couldn’t speak anymore, just burying her face into my shoulder. Behind her, I saw Kayla and little Reese hurrying over. Reese reached me first, her eyes wide with worry. “Daddy, you're alive!”Sophia managed a smile through her tears as she composed herself. I
Sophia’s POVAs I left Elijah's hospital room, my heart felt heavy with worry. Seeing him and Julia lying there, bandaged and bruised, was almost too much to bear. I’ll visit them tomorrow again, I promised myself. For now, Reese has to rest. It wasn’t good for her to be exposed to such a messy situation, and to have that encounter at the beach with her stepmother!Kayla walked ahead of me, carrying Reese who was already very sleepy. The cool evening air hit me as we stepped outside the hospital. I tried to focus on the rhythmic sound of Kayla’s footsteps, but my thoughts were scattered. Elijah had been hurrying to the beach to meet us when the accident happened. And Julia, who was just passing by, had gotten caught up in the chaos, ending up with a severely injured hand.I wonder who did this to them, I suddenly thought, thinking about the dark sedan that had chased Elijah off the road and almost hit Julia too. Could it be my brother Troy? Is he trying to scare us so that he can ge
Sophia’s POVThe hospital walls were adorned with generic paintings meant to be calming but did little to ease my nerves. I should just visit Grandma Evelyn, see how she’s doing. I was well aware that she was still in a coma, but she has never left my mind. Everyday, I continued to pray for her recovery. I wished she could wake up already. It was a huge burden to think that her life was now at risk because of me. To add to that, I couldn’t help blaming myself too for what happened to Elijah and Julia. It was all too much to bear, really. Relax, Sophia. Just take a deep breath. I tried to calm myself down as I made my way toward Evelyn’s hospital room. When I got there, I hesitated briefly, taking a deep breath before pushing the door open.The room was quiet except for the sound of the medical equipment. Two maids were present, one adjusting Evelyn’s blanket while the other arranged flowers on a nearby table. Evelyn lay still, her frail form barely making an impression on the bed
Sophia’s POVI stared at my phone, my hand trembling slightly as I tried to process the conversation that had just taken place. The unfamiliar man's voice echoed in my mind, haunting and urgent.“Who is this?” I had demanded, but he had only replied, “We need to talk about Adrian,” before the line went dead with a final, chilling click.Adrian! Hearing his name again made me feel alarmed. I remembered how strange men in black had entered my house, looking for him. He’d willingly gone with him and told me he’d tell me everything soon. But until now, I hadn’t heard from him yet. I wondered if he was in some kind of trouble. I need to meet that man, I thought. I have to find out what happened to Adrian. A warning bell went off in my head. This could be dangerous. I didn’t know who the man was. But it’s a public place, anyway, I convinced myself. I glanced at the clock on the wall of Grandma Evelyn's hospital room. It was 4:30 PM. Cafe Elysee was nearby, but time was running out.I tur
Sophia’s POVI sat across from Mr. Roosevelt, feeling the weight of his presence like a heavy cloak. The cafe buzzed around us in a lively manner, which was the opposite of the intense, suffocating atmosphere at our table. “I let Adrian enjoy some time to bask in his newfound freedom and singing career,” Mr. Roosevelt told me, his voice low and authoritative. “But now it's enough. It's time for Adrian to man up and own up to our family name, to become who he's meant to be.”I struggled to find my voice as he continued, his tone tinged with frustration. “Adrian is intelligent, always on top of his class, and he used to be responsible, a good son. But suddenly, he just left one day… and to become what? Some kind of entertainer that people will get tired of one day? It's a very small dream for someone who comes from the Roosevelt clan.”His words stunned me, leaving me momentarily speechless. But then, gathering my courage, I spoke up. “But it's his dream. Can't he choose his own dream,
Sophia’s POVMarry Adrian?!The suggestion to marry Adrian hit me like a sudden summer storm, unexpected and disorienting. I struggled to grasp the enormity of it all, wondering if Adrian himself was aware of this wild proposal. Across the table, Mr. Roosevelt reclined confidently, a cup of freshly brewed coffee steaming between us, his demeanor expectant.This man’s crazier than I thought!“I... I don't know what to say,” I managed finally, my voice slightly trembling. “This is all happening so fast.”Mr. Roosevelt nodded sagely, taking a sip of his coffee before responding. “Think about it, Sophia. You have the opportunity to be part of something greater, to help Adrian realize his full potential. You'll have all the support you need, and we will ensure your comfort and security.”My mind raced with a thousand thoughts. I cared for Adrian as a friend and I owed him my life, but marriage? That was out of the question. “Does Adrian know about this?” I asked, my voice quivering a litt
Sophia’s POVI sat there, stunned by Mr. Roosevelt's audacity. His proposal still echoed in my mind like an unwelcome refrain. Marry Adrian? The thought was preposterous, yet here we were, discussing it over drinks in a quaint cafe.I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. I’ve never received such a bizarre proposal in my entire life!He leaned back in his chair, a hint of irritation flickering across his face. Without missing a beat, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a checkbook and pen, his gesture casual yet loaded with implication.“And how much would it take as a signing bonus to make you consider this seriously?” His voice was cool, business-like, but beneath it simmered an undercurrent of arrogance.I couldn't believe his nerve, trying to buy my compliance. My jaw tightened as I struggled to maintain composure. “Mr. Roosevelt,” I began, my tone measured, “I appreciate the offer, but money isn't the issue here. Adrian and I are friends. Nothing more.”I paused, steeling my
Adrian’s POV“What’s going on?” I demanded, my voice harsher than I intended.My mother and I were sitting in the sunroom, the soft light filtering through the sheer curtains. She had called me over, saying she had something important to discuss. I thought it was another lecture about my responsibilities within the family business, but the grave expression on her face told me this was different.“Adrian, look carefully,” she said, sliding a photograph across the glass table toward me.I picked it up, my eyes narrowing as I recognized the two figures in the picture. My father, looking as stern as ever, was seated across from Sophia in a café. They seemed to be in the middle of an intense conversation.“Why is Dad with Sophia?” I asked with dread. My mother sighed, leaning back in her chair. “Adrian, your father has certain expectations of you. He believes that you should follow his lead, and if you don’t… well, let’s just say it might not turn out well for Sophia.”A chill ran down my
Emily’s POVThe forest was alive with chaos. My legs burned as I pushed through the underbrush, the sound of crashing branches and angry shouts growing louder behind me. Chris was just ahead, his silhouette barely visible in the faint moonlight cutting through the dense canopy.“We’re almost there,” he whispered back to me with urgency. “Just keep moving.”I nodded, but my breath came in short, panicked gasps. My mind was a whirlwind, replaying the flashes of violence, the sound of gunfire, and Luc shouting at us to separate. It was difficult to focus, but I just kept on moving forward. Ahead, the trail split in two. Chris glanced back at me, his face lined with worry. “Take the left path! I’ll hold them off.”“No, Chris—” I began, my chest tightening with panic, but he didn’t wait for an argument. Spinning on his heel, he moved toward the right trail, gripping a sturdy branch he’d grabbed earlier as if preparing for a fight. The determination in his stance was unmistakable.“Go, Emi
Chris’s POVThe worn chair creaked as I leaned back, staring at the wooden beams of the ceiling. My thoughts wandered to my family—my parents, my siblings, even the small details of home life I’d taken for granted. I missed it all, a dull ache eating at me every time I let myself think about it.But I couldn’t risk going back. Not yet. Not with the mob hunting us, and certainly not with Emily relying on me. I couldn’t leave her alone in this, no matter how much I longed for my old life.I sighed, running a hand through my hair and willing myself to accept my fate. This was the path I’d chosen, the one I’d forced myself to stay on because protecting Emily mattered more than anything else. And besides, I’d never loved anyone as much as I loved her. That truth was the only anchor I had in this chaos.The sound of the front door opening snapped me out of my thoughts. The woman who owned the house—a wiry, sharp-eyed local named Henriette—poked her head in. “Marc and Luc are here,” she anno
Emily’s POVThe worn leather journal felt heavier in my hands than it should have, its frayed edges brushing against my fingertips as I clutched it tightly. Every step I took on the narrow mountain trail seemed to amplify the weight of it, as if it held not just pages of memories, but the crushing reality of the life Chris and I now led, lived before by someone else. The peaks of Mercantour National Park loomed ahead, their jagged edges shrouded in mist. Chris walked a few steps in front of me, his head turning every so often to scan the trail behind us."Do you think this place will be safe?" I asked. Chris slowed his pace, waiting for me to catch up. He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he adjusted the strap of his backpack and glanced at me, his face unreadable. “It’s secluded. Hard to find, even harder to reach. That’s something.”Not exactly comforting. “But for how long?” I pressed. “How long until they find us again?”Chris’s jaw tightened, the tension in his shoulders makin
Elijah’s POVThe café had transformed under the warm glow of evening lights, its usual charm elevated by strings of delicate fairy lights and subtle touches of elegance. Tables were arranged to face a small stage near the window, where a sleek microphone and a guitar stand hinted at the night’s entertainment. Lila stood nearby, radiant in a flowing dress, her hand entwined with Adrian’s. Their closeness was unmistakable, their easy smiles a reflection of the love they now shared.I leaned against the counter, nursing a glass of sparkling water, and watched as they chatted with Morgana. Adrian was gesturing animatedly, and Lila laughed, leaning into his shoulder. Their new album launch was clearly more than just a career milestone—it was a celebration of their partnership.The sound of the door opening drew my attention. My grip on the glass tightened as Camille stepped inside, her heels clicking against the tiled floor. She was dressed to impress, her bold red dress catching the light
Elijah’s POVDetective Marcus and I met the vendor in a discreet corner of the back room. The man glanced nervously between us as Marcus explained the plan.“You’re going to approach your contact,” Marcus told him firmly. “Tell them there’s an opportunity tonight—something disruptive, something damaging. Be clear, but not pushy. If they bite, we’ll catch them red-handed.”The vendor nodded, swallowing hard. “Alright. What do you want me to suggest?”“Target the performance,” I said, crossing my arms. “Lila’s scheduled to sing tonight. Make it sound like ruining her set would humiliate Morgana and damage the café’s reputation. It’s the kind of petty, public sabotage this person seems to thrive on.”The vendor shifted uncomfortably. “And you’re sure I’ll be safe?”“You’ll be wired,” Marcus assured him, holding up a small device. “We’ll monitor everything, and my team will be close by. As soon as we have what we need, you’re out.”I stepped forward, fixing the vendor with a hard stare. “
Elijah’s POVI could see my stepmother smiling, talking to a couple of regulars at the counter in her cafe. Business had become much better lately, and for the first time in weeks, she looked genuinely happy. It seemed as if the chaos of the past few months had been nothing but a bad dream. I glanced at my watch. The investigator I’d recommended—Detective Marcus—was due to arrive any moment. He’d personally called me and mentioned new leads on the vandalism and threats against Morgana and Lila, promising that this time, we’d finally get somewhere.I looked over at Morgana. Her genuine smile was a rare sight these days, and despite everything, it was a relief to see her like this. Yet, the faint strain in our dynamic was impossible to overlook.She hadn’t entirely forgiven me for investigating Lennon. The look of betrayal on her face when she caught me in my study weeks ago still lingered in my mind. But for all her anger, she hadn’t shut me out completely. She’d allowed me to continu
Elijah’s POV“Sophia…” I whispered, that one word sending all sorts of emotions shooting through my body. God, I miss my wife. I couldn’t stop replaying the moments of distance, the fractured conversations, and the way her eyes held questions I didn’t know how to answer. But right now, I couldn’t afford to dwell on it.My phone buzzed on the desk, pulling me from my thoughts. Joe’s name flashed across the screen.“Elijah,” his voice came through, sounding serious. “I’ve got an update. One of Lennon’s companies has a scheduled shipment tomorrow night. Destination? A port that’s had connections with Les Ombres Écarlates in the past.”I leaned forward, my eyes narrowing. “What’s being shipped?”“Hard to tell. The manifest says machinery parts, but the quantity doesn’t match the volume listed. It’s suspicious, to say the least.”I rubbed my temple, frustration mounting. “And Lennon? Is he directly involved?”“Hard to say,” Joe admitted. “But it’s his company’s name on the paperwork. If h
Sophia’s POVThe knock on my office door was brief but firm. I glanced up from my laptop, my brow furrowing as my assistant stepped in, holding a bouquet of vibrant roses and lilies.“This just came for you,” she said, her smile bright as she placed the vase on my desk.“For me?” I asked, surprised. My gaze dropped to the small white card nestled among the flowers. I reached for it, curiosity piqued.The handwriting was familiar, steady and bold: For Sophia – because I’m thinking of you. – E”Elijah.A soft warmth bloomed in my chest, quickly followed by doubt. Was this a genuine gesture, or was it guilt? My mind immediately replayed the strained conversations, the silent meals, the guarded looks we’d exchanged over the past weeks. But as I stared at the flowers, their vibrant colors brightening my desk, I pushed those thoughts aside. Whatever the reason, he’d thought of me. And wasn’t that what mattered?“Lovely bouquet,” my assistant commented before slipping out of the room, leavin
Sophia’s POVA rapid thudding filled my ears as I watched the elevator doors close, Camille’s figure disappearing behind the sleek metallic panels. She hadn’t seen me, but there was no mistaking her—she was here, in the Sinclair Realty building.What was she doing here? And more importantly, who was she here to see?I swallowed hard, my thoughts racing as I tried to keep my emotions in check. She couldn’t possibly still be pursuing Elijah? The very idea made me feel sick. I suddenly had the urge to run after her and grab her by the hair. Forcing a steadying breath, I turned and walked toward the lobby doors, my heels clicking against the polished floors. I told myself not to jump to conclusions, not to let my insecurities get the better of me. I walked briskly to my car, the thought of Camille’s presence lingering like a bad aftertaste. What the hell is she doing here? I repeated silently in my head. I couldn’t stop myself from thinking of all the possibilities—none of them good. My